Starting primary school is a big adventure for your little one. There’s so much to take in, from new routines, new faces, new rules and a brand-new environment. Even the most confident four-year-old can feel a little nervous about such a big change.
But what if there was a playful, joyful way to help your child feel ready for this exciting next chapter? A place where they can build confidence, communication skills and friendships through creativity, imagination and fun, all the things they’ll need for school, without even realising they’re learning.
Created especially for children aged 4 to 6, PQA Poppets is a nurturing space where imagination leads the way. Through exciting projects, original stories, songs, movement and creative play, children develop valuable life skills that can help make the transition to primary school feel a little easier and a lot more exciting.
Here's how our 90 minute Poppet class supports young children as they prepare for their next big step into Primary School.
One of the biggest changes children experience when they start school is learning to listen carefully, follow instructions and respond at the right time.
At Poppets, listening skills are developed naturally through imaginative adventures, engaging stories and playful activities. Children might listen to part of a story, follow a creative prompt or join in with a group performance, all while building focus, understanding and confidence.
Because they're having so much fun, they often don't realise just how much they're learning.
Starting school means meeting new teachers, making new friends and learning in a larger group setting. That can feel overwhelming at times.
At Poppets, every child is encouraged to share their ideas and contribute to imaginative storytelling. Whether they're suggesting what happens next in an adventure, joining in with a song or performing as part of a group, they're given opportunities to express themselves in a supportive environment.
Over time, this helps children grow in confidence, trust their own ideas and feel more comfortable speaking up, both inside and outside the classroom.
Making friends is one of the most exciting parts of starting school, but it can also take time.
Through collaborative storytelling and adventures movement activities and creative games, Poppets encourages children to work together, take turns and share ideas. As they create, explore and play, they learn how to support one another, problem solve and celebrate each other's successes.
These social skills help children feel more confident building friendships and becoming part of a new classroom community.
For some children, starting school can bring worries about getting things wrong or not knowing all the answers.
At Poppets, we celebrate effort, curiosity and bravery. We cheer when children try something new, applaud their growing confidence and encourage them to embrace every opportunity.
Through imaginative projects inspired by exciting original stories, children discover that it's okay to make mistakes, ask questions and have a go. This helps nurture a positive mindset that can support them throughout their school journey and beyond.
Because every child develops at their own pace, we celebrate each small step forward and recognise the unique qualities they bring to the group. After all, every child has something special to contribute.
Let's be honest, starting school can be just as emotional for parents as it is for children.
That's why Poppets supports the whole family through this important transition. We celebrate milestones with you, share in your child's achievements, (we know they especially love to receive our ‘Poppet of the Week’ award) and provide a welcoming environment where little ones can grow in confidence week after week.
By the time the school gates open, you'll have watched them develop new skills, build friendships and discover confidence in themselves and their abilities.
And when they take that next big step, they'll do so with a little more self-belief, a little more independence and plenty of sparkle in their step.
Yes! Every academy offers one free trial session, as long as there is space available in the age group. If the group is currently full, you can join the waiting list, and we’ll contact you as soon as a place becomes available.
PQA runs for 41 weeks throughout the school year. You can find the full list of term dates on each academy’s webpage, just search for your local academy and visit its web page.
PQA provides performing arts training for children and teens aged 4–18. Our Main Academy (ages 6–18) includes three core classes:
Some academies also offer Poppets (ages 4–6), an energetic 90-minute class introducing young children to singing, dancing and acting.
PQA welcomes all children, whether they’re complete beginners or already confident performers. There’s no audition needed to join.
At PQA students in Main Academy are grouped by age, learning with other children and young people at similar stages.
This depends on where you feel your child will be happiest. Some 6-year olds are ready to join the 6-9 age group in Main Academy, others will feel more comfortable starting in Poppets.
Your always welcome to discuss what’s best for your child with your local Principal before booking your free session.